Vol. 3, No. 1 March 1965 - "Conservation Geography"

SOME THEMES OF THE AMERICAN CONSERVATION MOVEMENT

(pp. 1 - 4)

Dr. E. Willard Miller, Assistant Dean

The Pennsylvania State University

State College, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Man has long been concerned with the preservation, allocation, use and management of the world's resources. In the 18th century Malthus had fears about population outgrowing food supplies. In the Colonial Period of American history, laws were enacted to conserve salt licks, wood supply, and even wildlife. Presidents Washington and Jefferson were concerned with soil erosion and its effects on agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, precise conservation policies only began to evolve when knowledge and information became available so that problems could be identified and defined. It is the purpose of this treatment to define some of the dominant themes in the American conservation movement.

PUBLIC AWARENESS VITAL TO CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

(pp. 5 - 6)

Dr. Bruce E. Adams, Chairman

Department of Geography

Bloomsburg State College

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

Abstract

General public awareness of the need for conservation of this nation's vital natural resources has been increasing steadily since receiving its greatest impetus during the era of President Theodore Roosevelt and Governor Pinchot a little more than one-half century ago. Public consciousness was first evident in efforts to conserve our fast dwindling forests in order to maintain and ensure a sufficient supply of timber products for ship building, construction of housing, furniture manufacture and the making of paper and associated products.

CONSERVATION IN NORWAY, SOME ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES

(pp. 7 -  11)

Vincent P. Miller, Jr., Associate Professor of Geography

Indiana State College

Terre Haute, Indiana

Abstract

In few countries of the world has so small a population demanded so much from its environment as in Norway. Conservation-wise, the Norwegians need not return to reality because they never have been able to forget it. Today a small population of about 3.5 million, has at its disposal roughly 83.0 million acres of land, of which about 3.2 million acres are usable for some form of agriculture or grazing. Only 3% of this land is cultivatable while another 1% may be grazed, yet another 23% is forested, not all of which can be economically exploited, (75% of the forestry products come from the one "accessible" region of Oestland), so that almost 73% of Norway is an economic wasteland. Here, even the meagre 1% population growth becomes an unremitting fact, and that coupled with an unfavorable balance of trade and the presence of potential Soviet aggression in the Arctic means that little Norway is faced with a large task if it is to advance.

GEOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR RIVER BASIN - THE SUSQUEHANNA

(pp. 11 - 15) 

Dr. Erich F. Bordne, Associate Professor

Geography Department

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Water resource development becomes increasingly important every year. A major eastern river basin, the Susquehanna, is now in the process of development. Geographers, who are interested in the water resources of the East, point out that there are three significant factors to consider in the Susquehanna River improvements: a) the need for a comprehensive study, b) the recent boom in outdoor recreation, and c) the proximity of the basin to the so-called Megalopolis.

CONSERVATION AND GEOGRAPHY TEACHING

(pp. 15 - 17)

Ivan L. Jirak

Knoxville Junior High School

Abstract

A successful conservation program can make geography teaching more meaningful; it can add a new dimension to teaching and approach to life. The major hindrance to the effective use of the new conservation approach for learning is the instructor's inability and unwillingness to use it.

THE STATUS OF GEOGRAPHY AT HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN PENNSYLVANIA

(pp. 17 - 18)

Richard G. Bucksar, Assistant Professor

Geography Department

West Chester State College

West Chester, Pennsylvania

Abstract

During 1964, a survey was conducted to determine the status of geography in higher education in Pennsylvania. A number of interesting points were revealed by the study, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council for Geography Education.